The Ghader was unveiled in 2011, and can be launched from ships as well as from fixed ground positions. It is more advanced than its predecessor, the Nur, in precision and firepower.

The new missiles increase the Iranian threat to naval movements in the Persian Gulf, and should be seen in the context of past Iranian threats to block the Straits of Hormuz, as well as Iranian territorial ambitions in the Gulf and rehearsals for attacking foreign ships.